GERMANY 0 - 0 POLAND

Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Imtech Arena, HamburgFriendly

"We had an amazing number of newcomers to the team, who did their job very well.

With his Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal contingent missing due to domestic Cup Finals at the weekend, Jogi had on show a record-breaking number of debutants. After just one single training session together, he was delighted with their performance.

"We had a lot of newcomers tonight," Löw said. "When you have one or two they are helped by more experienced players. But they still did really well, were well organised and disciplined."
"We can be satisfied with tonight," said Löw. "These are the faces of the future. Sure we have a tournament now but we have to look at what happens for 2016 or 2018."

"I didn't hear any whistling at the end, but besides the fans got a good performance from a young side and should be happy with that," said the 54-year-old Löw.
"We still have a few decisions to make as to who will be in the 25 or 26-strong squad we take to our training camp in the Tirol. We'll decide in the hotel later tonight and then inform the relevant players."

Bundestrainer Löw ist zufrieden
"Die Pfiffe kamen von den Polen" a post-match interview with Jogi
He expressed his pleasure at the performance of his young team, saying they had implemented much of what had been discussed beforehand and had given him many insights for the World Cup and the future. The match was cleary not a World Cup 'opener', but a match played under a different perspective. He spoke of Max Meyer's good ball control in attacking midfield and sympathised with Kevin Volland and the lack of chances that went his way. Julian Draxler deserved his chance as captain "We know what qualities and potential he has."
Jogi explained that the final decisions on who is going to be World Cup will be made after the South Tyrol training camp, the games against the U20's, and the Cameroon fixture. "We will try to fill all positions twice. The team must be balanced. It is important that there is competition. I want to see the players fighting for World Cup tickets. I'll take my time to nominate the final squad."
Asked about the whistles heard during the game, Jogi insisted that they came from the Poland side. " I did not hear any whistles. I do believe that the public feel good about this young team and were satisfied. I can not imagine anything else."

A new interview with tv.dfb.de - 13 May 2014
"I believe we will see an entertaining game tonight," he said. "Compared to their peers ten years ago the young players of 19 or 20 years have much more. They are excellently skilled in technique and tactics." and called it a good opportunity to see the players moving up to international football. - from dfb.de

"There are a few players missing but there's no emergency," said Löw.
"We need young dynamic players like those who perhaps only recently played themselves into contention," he added. "They can inject fresh impetus into the side."

"Kein nationaler Fußball-Notstand":
Löw bittet um Milde
In the build-up to the Poland game, Jogi has asked for "a little less fuss" from the media in the reporting of the game. "The result is not the deciding factor" he added, stressing the youth of the players and that they were prospects for the future. "The young players will feel the atmosphere and introduce themselves on the stage."

At the same press conference as Jogi announced his provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup, a separate squad was revealed for the Poland friendly, taking into account the numerous absentees. - 8 May 2014

On dfb.de, Joachim Löw said "It is clear that the team that takes to the field in Hamburg will not be the team that competes for the World Title in Brazil" and spoke of the upcoming club commitments prevening players taking part on this occasion. "Every international game is of importance to us, against Poland it is about perspectives for the future. We want to look beyond the World Cup in Brazil. Several players may become leading figures in upcoming tournaments for the national team". 8 May 2014

Calling the Poland game "das Spiel der jungen Gesichter", he said the Poland game will give the new players a chance to show themselves on the international stage. from n-tv

Pokalfinale: Löw fehlt halber Kader -
18 WM-Kandidaten fehlen - 17 April 2014
After both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich win their semi-finals to contest the DFB-Pokal on 17 May, and Arsenal make it to the FA Cup Final the same day, Jogi will be without half his squad for the friendly against Poland in Hamburg. This could be further increased if Hamburger SV are involved in the Bundesliga relegation play-off.

Last updated 20 May 2014
With thanks to everyone, especially Lucille, Silke, Elfriede, Sonia, Magda and Nic.
Anything else you think I should include on this page? Let me know!